How To Raise pH in Hot Tub
- The best method of adding muriatic acid to your pool is to dilute it in a bucket of water at a ratio of 10:1. That's 10 parts water, 1 part muriatic acid. Make sure to fill the bucket with water, before adding the acid to avoid a nasty surprise in the form of a chemical reaction.
- The first step is to lower pH by adding muriatic acid. Lowering pH will make your pool water more acidic and neutralize the alkaline materials in your pool. You should aim to lower your pH to a range of 7.0 to 7.2. The second step is to aerate your pool or hot tub to break up the remaining alkaline materials.
- How to Lower Alkalinity in Hot Tub Wondering how to lower alkalinity in hot tub and stabilize the pH? Basically, the correct total alkalinity should range between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). A spa volume calculator can help you calculate the right range for your hot tub.
See full list on wikihow.com.
Like any other major purchase, if you have decided to invest in a hot tub you will want to know how to properly maintain it in order to extend its lifespan. You'll need to keep the water balanced to gain benefit from owning your own hot tub so your and friends can use it safely.
There is a short list of chemicals that you will need to keep on hand to keep the water maintained and the pH and alkalinity levels balanced.
The chemicals used to balance pH and alkalinity are inexpensive but are extremely important. Water pH is a measurement of the acidity of your water.
Just to give you an idea why this is, our skin acidity is 7.35 to 7.45, so this lies in the middle of the suggested water acidity range – that way we are more comfortable in our spa and at this range bugs are kept under control more easily.
If your pH fluctuates outside that safe zone, the water becomes unsafe and can cause corrosion, mineral scaling, or you can face unhealthy bacterial growth.
Alkalinity is a measure of the water's ability to buffer the pH to neutralize the acid.
It may seem complicated at first, but with a little practice it becomes routine.
It helps keep pH levels stable so when your water dips out of range, you can simply adjust your TA (Total Alkalinity) without having to completely redo your hot tub chemistry.
Alkalinity should be between 125ppm and 150ppm and be adjusted first since it keeps your pH in check, so when it slips levels, your pH will as well.
Failure to maintain alkalinity may result in corrosion, phosphate imbalance which can lead to algae growth and green water, mineral build-up, and cloudy water.
On top of these effects, there's every chance you will be developing bacteria-rich water by allowing bacteria from either side of neutral to breed to excess.
What causes low pH in hot tub?
Testing kits for pH levels are available at pool supply stores. You dip a strip into the water and read the pH by matching the color it turns to a scale printed on the bottle. The ideal level should be in the neutral range.
The one in the picture shown runs at just over the $10 mark directly from Amazon, so there's no great cost involved with these tests.
You will also need some test strips to take a sample of your water – again, inexpensive.
An alternative to the test strips is to use a digital meter costing almost double but this one does not need the strips, so will soon pay for itself. Coreldraw x6 download free.
Elevated levels of acid cause sanitizing chemicals to become ineffective allowing harmful contaminants to come in contact with bathers, which can lead to rashes and eczema.
It can also irritate swimmer's skin and eyes. Too much acid takes its toll on your tub's components causing them to corrode.
Muriatic Acid Lower Ph
So, what causes low pH in hot tub spas making the water excessively acidic?
In a word, if you've set the chemical levels right to start with, it's YOU – and anyone who joins you in the hot tub.
Why Hot Tub Alkalinity Matters - How To Balance A Hot Tub ..
It is well known we all sweat in hot tubs, and it is these bodily fluids, along with flaky skin, anything that is or was living, rots down and causes acidity. So the more people you have in there and for a longer time without water changes, then your water will grow more and more acidic as time passes.
On top of that pH that's too low can be caused by the type of water you use.
Soft water will have a completely different pH than hard water. Thus, when you add water, it will alter your level accordingly.
Different chemicals you use will also cause fluctuations since they have different pH ranges too. When the time comes to add more chemicals, the levels will change depending on the amount used and the pH level of that specific chemical.
How to raise pH in hot tub
Low levels can cause skin irritation and degrade the spa's heater and other components. The pH levels in your hot tub can be increased by using magnesium oxide which has the ability to neutralize carbon dioxide.
The first step is to adjust the alkalinity using either of the test methods above.
The next step you take in how to raise pH in hot tub spas is you gradually add an increaser like SpaGuard pH Increaserto get the right reading.
Then allow the tub to run for 30 minutes to evenly circulate the chemicals.
Last, turn off the jets and conduct a retest to ensure the alkalinity is still at proper levels.
What causes high pH in hot tub?
A high pH level is a level above 7.6 ppm. This means your water is too basic, too alkaline, and when your water pH is too high, it can begin to form scales.
Scales are a white and chalky residue that's rough to the touch and can be found on the tub's surfaces.
These scales can block water circulation by becoming lodged in pipes and blocking their flow. As they build, scales will cause early equipment failure.
These scales are formed by the Alkaline effect forming lime which eventually will become like chalk in that it will block your pump and piping if left for too long without balancing the water.
On top of this, you may notice a greeny tinge developing in your water which, if left too longe, will eventually form algae.
You will need to regularly use a pH reducer and we recommend Leisure Time Spa Reducer.
Reducers usually consist of dry acid crystals such as sodium bisulfate but liquid forms are also readily available.
The pH reducer needs to be added gradually over a period of time depending on the manufacturer's recommendation. You add it gradually, allow it to circulate, and then retest the pH level. If it is still too high, you repeat the process until it gets in range. Adding too much reducer too quickly can result in making the water too acidic that you will have to get to come back down.
The most common reason for an elevated pH level is a very high alkalinity level. Since alkalinity acts as a buffer to help keep pH in range, when it raises, so will your pH level because it will not be able to keep it under control.
Hot tubs run at a higher temperature and produce bubbles which cause a buildup of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is also notorious for raising both pH and alkalinity. As has been stated, this carbon dioxide is also a result of living matter decomposing.
How much muriatic acid to lower pH in hot tub?
Muriatic acid(also called hydrochloric acid) is another chemical commonly used to lower a spa pH level that is too high. The amount you use will depend on the capacity of your hot tub and how high the pH actually is.
How much muriatic acid to lower pH in hot tub spas? Here is a general amounts guide:
• 400 gal. spa:
o 7.6-7.8: .5 fl oz.
o 7.8-8: .6 fl oz.
o 8-8.4: 1 fl oz.
o Above 8.4: 1.3 fl oz.
• 750 gal. spa:
o 7.6-7.8: .9 fl oz.
o 7.8-8: 1.2 fl oz.
o 8-8.4: 1.9 fl oz.
o Above 8.4: 2.4 fl oz
• 1500 gal. spa:
o 7.6-7.8: 1.9 fl oz.
o 7.8-8: 2.4 fl oz.
o 8-8.4: 3.6 fl oz.
o Above 8.4: 4.8 fl oz
How to lower pH in hot tub home remedy?
Many people have issues where the spa chemicals can irritate their skin or cause health problems. Others may just want a more natural alternative.
That leaves many questioning how to lower pH in hot tub home remedy?
Here are a few alternative methods to lower pH levels without harsh substances.
• Lemon juice or vinegar both contain acids that can bring pH levels down. You will have to use plenty of it because vinegar only contains about 5 percent acid.
• Using peat moss is generally thought of as the most effective natural method of dropping pH. Peat moss can be placed in a mesh bag and placed somewhere the water will flow through it.
• Driftwood acts as a natural filter. It will need to be soaked for a few days prior otherwise it will discolor water.
• Use distilled water
• Install a carbon dioxide system to monitor and adjust pH levels automatically
Another alternative to using chemicals is to use baking soda to reduce the acidity of your water – check out our post on How Much Baking Soda to Raise Alkalinity in Hot Tub
Again – if you are not into chemicals, then I suggest you take a look at our post Running Hot Tub Without Chemicals
Keeping your hot tub water in at a neutral pH level is important both for the longevity of your spa, as well as for the people who use it.
Alkalinity and pH go hand-in-hand and work together to keep your water safe. Without regular chemical maintenance and testing, you will experience issues like bacterial growth, algae, scaling, eye and skin irritation, and corrosion.
So make sure you know how to raise or lower pH in your hot tub for your own benefit and your hot tub's.
On the other hand, if you are like me, lazee, and want an easier option, how about the pHin Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Water Care Monitor for Hot Tubs and Pools.
Once set up, just drop it in your pool water and it will let you know as any problems arise and literally tells you, directly to your phone, what needs doing to correct the problems.
Not cheap, but well worth the loss of aggravation.
1982 yamaha virago xv920 repair manual. There are even videos showing how to set it up and how it works here.
We use one ourselves and can highly recommend them.
With 135 positive customer reviews so far. – It's a Godsend to us!
Why not check out some of our other informative posts:
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You wanted a hot tub, and you got one! But that's not it. There's no point in owning one of the finest hot tubs if you don't take care and maintain it too.
Take for an example- you bought a sedan, wouldn't you service it every six months or so to maintain its longevity? The same goes for your spa. Enjoying your swim spa every weekend is great, but this can turn into a nightmare when you find your spa water being cloudy and smelly.
For your hot tub to last longer and remain exactly the way you bought it, you need to maintain the pH and alkalinity level of the water. If you're a hot tub beginner, you will have questions like, 'what is alkalinity?', 'Aren't pH and alkalinity levels the same?'
The terms ‘pH level' and ‘alkalinity level' are thrown around casually, and this can confuse anyone who's not familiar with maintaining the hot tub water chemistry. But no need to worry, you don't have to get into the depths of chemistry and blow off your mind. We try our best to explain in a simple language, what they are, why they matter and how to balance them the correct way.
Now, what is alkalinity?
Before you balance the pH levels of the water, you need to deal with the alkalinity balance. If your alkalinity level is off the charts, you'll never be able to balance the pH level of the water of the hot tub. Alkalinity and pH are like first cousins, they go hand in hand, affecting and getting affected by each other.
Total Alkalinity (TA), sometimes referred to as a 'buffer,' is the measure of your spa's water's ability to neutralize acids. Checking the alkalinity level is the first and vital step towards balancing the pH level. Now, what is pH scale and how it is affected by alkalinity, we'll get into that afterward.
TA, unlike pH level, is measured in PPM (parts per million). Its role is to provide a balance in mineral content, which blocks any damage to the surfaces.
Why does proper alkalinity level matter?
Anything in the extreme is always wrong. The same way, high alkalinity or too low alkalinity is not only bad for your spa but also harmful for your skin. An unbalanced alkaline level diminishes your hot tub's appearance, making it dull-looking and giving the water a greenish hue.
Low alkalinity is the riskiest among the two extremes. It causes significant fluctuations in the pH because it cannot curb the effects of acids.
If they are not kept in check, it can cause corrosion to your spa parts like heaters and water jets.
What happens if the alkalinity level is high?
High alkalinity also causes green water, as it reduces the effects of sanitizers like chlorine and bromine, which prevents the build-up of algae.
High alkalinity causes high pH levels, which in result increases calcium build-up, which makes the water cloudy and causes scale to form on the surfaces of the tub; this can harm your spa's jets and filters as they are likely to get clogged.
Steps to lower alkalinity in your hot tub
Balanced TA levels help in a balanced pH level of water. The usual range of pH level of the water in the hot tub should be within the scope of 7.2 to 7.8, ideal being 7.4 to 7.6. Total alkalinity should be at 80-120ppm.
- The first step is to test the hot tub water's alkalinity with a test strip. You have to place the piece in the water and compare the color on it regarding the colors showed on the kit. It will tell you to either raise or lower the TA in your spa.
- If your hot tub water has high alkalinity, then you need to lower the level by using chemicals such as liquid muriatic acid (which is hydrochloric acid diluted) or sodium bisulfate. Make sure to read proper proportions before adding it to the water. E.g. for 1,000 gallons of water, you need to use 3.5 oz or 0.21 lbs. of sodium bisulfate to lower water alkalinity by 10ppm. So, to lower the TA by 20ppm, use 6.8 oz or 0.43 lbs; to lower by 30ppm, use 10.2 oz or 0.64 lbs.
- Once you get the correct amount, make sure to circulate your tub and pour the sodium bisulfate in the hot tub. Leave it for 20 minutes and turn off the spa. The acid, when combined with water, decreases total alkalinity and maintains pH level.
The chemicals used to balance pH and alkalinity are inexpensive but are extremely important. Water pH is a measurement of the acidity of your water.
Just to give you an idea why this is, our skin acidity is 7.35 to 7.45, so this lies in the middle of the suggested water acidity range – that way we are more comfortable in our spa and at this range bugs are kept under control more easily.
If your pH fluctuates outside that safe zone, the water becomes unsafe and can cause corrosion, mineral scaling, or you can face unhealthy bacterial growth.
Alkalinity is a measure of the water's ability to buffer the pH to neutralize the acid.
It may seem complicated at first, but with a little practice it becomes routine.
It helps keep pH levels stable so when your water dips out of range, you can simply adjust your TA (Total Alkalinity) without having to completely redo your hot tub chemistry.
Alkalinity should be between 125ppm and 150ppm and be adjusted first since it keeps your pH in check, so when it slips levels, your pH will as well.
Failure to maintain alkalinity may result in corrosion, phosphate imbalance which can lead to algae growth and green water, mineral build-up, and cloudy water.
On top of these effects, there's every chance you will be developing bacteria-rich water by allowing bacteria from either side of neutral to breed to excess.
What causes low pH in hot tub?
Testing kits for pH levels are available at pool supply stores. You dip a strip into the water and read the pH by matching the color it turns to a scale printed on the bottle. The ideal level should be in the neutral range.
The one in the picture shown runs at just over the $10 mark directly from Amazon, so there's no great cost involved with these tests.
You will also need some test strips to take a sample of your water – again, inexpensive.
An alternative to the test strips is to use a digital meter costing almost double but this one does not need the strips, so will soon pay for itself. Coreldraw x6 download free.
Elevated levels of acid cause sanitizing chemicals to become ineffective allowing harmful contaminants to come in contact with bathers, which can lead to rashes and eczema.
It can also irritate swimmer's skin and eyes. Too much acid takes its toll on your tub's components causing them to corrode.
Muriatic Acid Lower Ph
So, what causes low pH in hot tub spas making the water excessively acidic?
In a word, if you've set the chemical levels right to start with, it's YOU – and anyone who joins you in the hot tub.
Why Hot Tub Alkalinity Matters - How To Balance A Hot Tub ..
It is well known we all sweat in hot tubs, and it is these bodily fluids, along with flaky skin, anything that is or was living, rots down and causes acidity. So the more people you have in there and for a longer time without water changes, then your water will grow more and more acidic as time passes.
On top of that pH that's too low can be caused by the type of water you use.
Soft water will have a completely different pH than hard water. Thus, when you add water, it will alter your level accordingly.
Different chemicals you use will also cause fluctuations since they have different pH ranges too. When the time comes to add more chemicals, the levels will change depending on the amount used and the pH level of that specific chemical.
How to raise pH in hot tub
Low levels can cause skin irritation and degrade the spa's heater and other components. The pH levels in your hot tub can be increased by using magnesium oxide which has the ability to neutralize carbon dioxide.
The first step is to adjust the alkalinity using either of the test methods above.
The next step you take in how to raise pH in hot tub spas is you gradually add an increaser like SpaGuard pH Increaserto get the right reading.
Then allow the tub to run for 30 minutes to evenly circulate the chemicals.
Last, turn off the jets and conduct a retest to ensure the alkalinity is still at proper levels.
What causes high pH in hot tub?
A high pH level is a level above 7.6 ppm. This means your water is too basic, too alkaline, and when your water pH is too high, it can begin to form scales.
Scales are a white and chalky residue that's rough to the touch and can be found on the tub's surfaces.
These scales can block water circulation by becoming lodged in pipes and blocking their flow. As they build, scales will cause early equipment failure.
These scales are formed by the Alkaline effect forming lime which eventually will become like chalk in that it will block your pump and piping if left for too long without balancing the water.
On top of this, you may notice a greeny tinge developing in your water which, if left too longe, will eventually form algae.
You will need to regularly use a pH reducer and we recommend Leisure Time Spa Reducer.
Reducers usually consist of dry acid crystals such as sodium bisulfate but liquid forms are also readily available.
The pH reducer needs to be added gradually over a period of time depending on the manufacturer's recommendation. You add it gradually, allow it to circulate, and then retest the pH level. If it is still too high, you repeat the process until it gets in range. Adding too much reducer too quickly can result in making the water too acidic that you will have to get to come back down.
The most common reason for an elevated pH level is a very high alkalinity level. Since alkalinity acts as a buffer to help keep pH in range, when it raises, so will your pH level because it will not be able to keep it under control.
Hot tubs run at a higher temperature and produce bubbles which cause a buildup of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is also notorious for raising both pH and alkalinity. As has been stated, this carbon dioxide is also a result of living matter decomposing.
How much muriatic acid to lower pH in hot tub?
Muriatic acid(also called hydrochloric acid) is another chemical commonly used to lower a spa pH level that is too high. The amount you use will depend on the capacity of your hot tub and how high the pH actually is.
How much muriatic acid to lower pH in hot tub spas? Here is a general amounts guide:
• 400 gal. spa:
o 7.6-7.8: .5 fl oz.
o 7.8-8: .6 fl oz.
o 8-8.4: 1 fl oz.
o Above 8.4: 1.3 fl oz.
• 750 gal. spa:
o 7.6-7.8: .9 fl oz.
o 7.8-8: 1.2 fl oz.
o 8-8.4: 1.9 fl oz.
o Above 8.4: 2.4 fl oz
• 1500 gal. spa:
o 7.6-7.8: 1.9 fl oz.
o 7.8-8: 2.4 fl oz.
o 8-8.4: 3.6 fl oz.
o Above 8.4: 4.8 fl oz
How to lower pH in hot tub home remedy?
Many people have issues where the spa chemicals can irritate their skin or cause health problems. Others may just want a more natural alternative.
That leaves many questioning how to lower pH in hot tub home remedy?
Here are a few alternative methods to lower pH levels without harsh substances.
• Lemon juice or vinegar both contain acids that can bring pH levels down. You will have to use plenty of it because vinegar only contains about 5 percent acid.
• Using peat moss is generally thought of as the most effective natural method of dropping pH. Peat moss can be placed in a mesh bag and placed somewhere the water will flow through it.
• Driftwood acts as a natural filter. It will need to be soaked for a few days prior otherwise it will discolor water.
• Use distilled water
• Install a carbon dioxide system to monitor and adjust pH levels automatically
Another alternative to using chemicals is to use baking soda to reduce the acidity of your water – check out our post on How Much Baking Soda to Raise Alkalinity in Hot Tub
Again – if you are not into chemicals, then I suggest you take a look at our post Running Hot Tub Without Chemicals
Keeping your hot tub water in at a neutral pH level is important both for the longevity of your spa, as well as for the people who use it.
Alkalinity and pH go hand-in-hand and work together to keep your water safe. Without regular chemical maintenance and testing, you will experience issues like bacterial growth, algae, scaling, eye and skin irritation, and corrosion.
So make sure you know how to raise or lower pH in your hot tub for your own benefit and your hot tub's.
On the other hand, if you are like me, lazee, and want an easier option, how about the pHin Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Water Care Monitor for Hot Tubs and Pools.
Once set up, just drop it in your pool water and it will let you know as any problems arise and literally tells you, directly to your phone, what needs doing to correct the problems.
Not cheap, but well worth the loss of aggravation.
1982 yamaha virago xv920 repair manual. There are even videos showing how to set it up and how it works here.
We use one ourselves and can highly recommend them.
With 135 positive customer reviews so far. – It's a Godsend to us!
Why not check out some of our other informative posts:
Related Posts
- Best inflatable hot tub with water jets
Looking for the best inflatable hot tubs with water jets? Most hot tubs are built to a price, meaning the majority of them are supplied with a bubbler system as…
- Health benefits of a hot tub at home
Benefits of an Inflatable Hot Tub at Home First of all, let me tell you why we got our inflatable hot tub. Not so long ago, after a lovely family…
- Hot tub temperature when not in use
Having been asked by some hot tub owners for the best suggested hot tub temperature when not in use, like when they take a break for more than a week…
- Hot Tub Temperature Too High
7 easy ways to keep your hot tub cool in the summer Hot tub too hot in the summer? Alright… Summer's here and there's no end to the sweltering heat.…
- Is A Hot Tub Good For A Cold
In a word – YES, and there are four reasons why. Having An Elevated Temperature Helps To Fight Viruses When we catch a cold our bodies develop a higher temperature…
- Inflatable Hot Tub Running Costs
The cost of running an inflatable hot tub was one of our first fears before we jumped in and purchased our one and only hot tub So how much does…
You wanted a hot tub, and you got one! But that's not it. There's no point in owning one of the finest hot tubs if you don't take care and maintain it too.
Take for an example- you bought a sedan, wouldn't you service it every six months or so to maintain its longevity? The same goes for your spa. Enjoying your swim spa every weekend is great, but this can turn into a nightmare when you find your spa water being cloudy and smelly.
For your hot tub to last longer and remain exactly the way you bought it, you need to maintain the pH and alkalinity level of the water. If you're a hot tub beginner, you will have questions like, 'what is alkalinity?', 'Aren't pH and alkalinity levels the same?'
The terms ‘pH level' and ‘alkalinity level' are thrown around casually, and this can confuse anyone who's not familiar with maintaining the hot tub water chemistry. But no need to worry, you don't have to get into the depths of chemistry and blow off your mind. We try our best to explain in a simple language, what they are, why they matter and how to balance them the correct way.
Now, what is alkalinity?
Before you balance the pH levels of the water, you need to deal with the alkalinity balance. If your alkalinity level is off the charts, you'll never be able to balance the pH level of the water of the hot tub. Alkalinity and pH are like first cousins, they go hand in hand, affecting and getting affected by each other.
Total Alkalinity (TA), sometimes referred to as a 'buffer,' is the measure of your spa's water's ability to neutralize acids. Checking the alkalinity level is the first and vital step towards balancing the pH level. Now, what is pH scale and how it is affected by alkalinity, we'll get into that afterward.
TA, unlike pH level, is measured in PPM (parts per million). Its role is to provide a balance in mineral content, which blocks any damage to the surfaces.
Why does proper alkalinity level matter?
Anything in the extreme is always wrong. The same way, high alkalinity or too low alkalinity is not only bad for your spa but also harmful for your skin. An unbalanced alkaline level diminishes your hot tub's appearance, making it dull-looking and giving the water a greenish hue.
Low alkalinity is the riskiest among the two extremes. It causes significant fluctuations in the pH because it cannot curb the effects of acids.
If they are not kept in check, it can cause corrosion to your spa parts like heaters and water jets.
What happens if the alkalinity level is high?
High alkalinity also causes green water, as it reduces the effects of sanitizers like chlorine and bromine, which prevents the build-up of algae.
High alkalinity causes high pH levels, which in result increases calcium build-up, which makes the water cloudy and causes scale to form on the surfaces of the tub; this can harm your spa's jets and filters as they are likely to get clogged.
Steps to lower alkalinity in your hot tub
Balanced TA levels help in a balanced pH level of water. The usual range of pH level of the water in the hot tub should be within the scope of 7.2 to 7.8, ideal being 7.4 to 7.6. Total alkalinity should be at 80-120ppm.
- The first step is to test the hot tub water's alkalinity with a test strip. You have to place the piece in the water and compare the color on it regarding the colors showed on the kit. It will tell you to either raise or lower the TA in your spa.
- If your hot tub water has high alkalinity, then you need to lower the level by using chemicals such as liquid muriatic acid (which is hydrochloric acid diluted) or sodium bisulfate. Make sure to read proper proportions before adding it to the water. E.g. for 1,000 gallons of water, you need to use 3.5 oz or 0.21 lbs. of sodium bisulfate to lower water alkalinity by 10ppm. So, to lower the TA by 20ppm, use 6.8 oz or 0.43 lbs; to lower by 30ppm, use 10.2 oz or 0.64 lbs.
- Once you get the correct amount, make sure to circulate your tub and pour the sodium bisulfate in the hot tub. Leave it for 20 minutes and turn off the spa. The acid, when combined with water, decreases total alkalinity and maintains pH level.
- Once the water stops moving, leave the hot tub open for an hour for the hot tub water to breathe appropriately. Test the water again. If the alkalinity is not lowered, repeat the process.
- If you achieved the desired alkalinity, test the water again after 24 hours. After this, check the pH levels with pH test strips and see if it needs to be balanced.
What is pH, and what are the issues related to it?
PH is the ‘Power of Hydrogen.' PH level is the measure of how much hydrogen ion is present in the water. The concentration of hydrogen ion in the water directs if the water is acidic, basic, or neutral. In other words, it is to measure how alkaline or how acidic your water is.
A range of pH within 0 to 7 is considered acidic, a pH of 7 is deemed to be neutral, and a pH of 7 to 14 is believed to be basic.
What you're trying to achieve is a pH of 7.2 to 7.8, ideal being 7.5.
Like unbalanced alkalinity, if pH level drifts too far from its ideal range, it can damage your hot tub parts like heaters and temperature sensors, and cause corrosion in metal parts.
Once your TA is perfect, you can check the pH level with a test strip. According to what the result is, you can increase or decrease the pH level with a pH increaser or pH decreaser. Add it to the water, and let it circulate for 10-15 minutes. Test the water again; if pH or alkalinity is still high, repeat the process.
When you try to lower the alkalinity, the pH will drop faster, so you shouldn't go crazy with the chemicals and do the process using little by little. To lower the alkalinity by 10ppm, you may need 1.6 lbs sodium bisulfate or 1.23 liters of muriatic acid for every 10,000 gallons of water.
Sometimes, when lowering alkalinity, the pH level decreases drastically. So, to increase the pH of the water without increasing the TA, you need to use the process of Aeration. Aeration is the process where you turn on all the jets and the air features so that more and more air is pumped in the water. This way, with aerating and adding the acid, you can decrease the alkalinity while maintaining the pH level.
Even after chasing the levels up and down, you don't achieve the desired result, the only option left is to drain and refill the tub and repeat the process.
How to lower pH levels without chemicals?
To lower the pH level of your hot tub water, you can take four cups of vinegar and pour it in the water. Remember to circulate the water in the tub before you pour in the vinegar. You can either use the vinegar you have at home or use apple cider vinegar. Turn off the jets and test the water after a few hours. Till you get an appropriate level, repeat the process.
Cached
Proper maintenance of your hot tub will extend the life span of your hot tub, and you will kick back, relax, and enjoy your time submerged in your spa.
